prank call is priceless
Posted by Michelle Moquin on February 24th, 2011
Good morning!
I don’t know if you watched the Rachel Maddow show last night. I caught it this morning. Maddow did her show from the Free State Brewing Company in Lawrence, Kansas. The topic: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s conversation with conservative billionaire David Koch…or at least a person who he thought was David Koch.
This is priceless.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Readers: Busted. Don’t ya just love it? I bet Walker’s feeling real good right now. Yep, this is his moment.
Thoughts? Comments? Laughs? Blog me.
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my “loyal”(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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February 24th, 2011 at 10:22 am
Hi Mischa, I caught this last night, brilliant show to say the least, I totally dig her.
Anon 12 fr yesterday, thank you for that info. I never do on-line banking while I’m out free wi-fi-ing but I’ve been tempted and then got paranoid, guess my gut instinct was right on.
I am going to catch up on the happenings in the middle east now, and while I do that I will keep all of your middle eastern women readers top of mind, and wish only the best for your safety.
Boggzy – Doug, MD, did you write an original for your own wedding song? Or what song did you sing to the BABE? : )
Luv, Zen Lill
February 24th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Michelle;
Thanks, great post today. I love Rachel Maddow’s show and the stands she takes on current issues. This video you put on today is fantastic news and absolutely reveals the depths that republicans and tea partiers will stoop to enact their diabolical political plans.
Tea Party, what a stupid name for a political party, I wonder who the Mad Hatter is? Probably Sarah Palin herself.
This should do wonders for the republicans popularity. And the idea to use live ammo to clear out protesters shouldn’t help much with their popularity.
Threatening to lay off thousands of workers does not make Walker look to good either. It is hard to believe how corrupt the republican party has become.
Don’t Tread On Me
Al
February 24th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
ZL,
For our wedding, I sang Simon And Garfunkel’s
“Bridge Over Troubled Water”
When you’re weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
I had written a song my senior year in high school that I sang at a relative’s wedding. Come to think of it, at another relative’s a few years earlier, I sang a different song I wrote when I was a junior…I guess, so far I have done four weddings and no funerals…
Al, news has recently come out that Palin is known to have said frequently that she hates politics…but, loves the payday’s she is getting from seemingly not hating politics…
And it’s quite evident that Walker doesn’t give a shit what people think of him…
February 24th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Oh and you know I can just never leave we;ll enough alone (and bc I am still f’in pissed that AD decided to define me and confine me to her narrow view of the ZL, to that I say FRO and please read on, see – I’m willing to offend you and educate you, that’s clear intent: I’m pissed though my intention is to get you to understand rather important) and I will post it in a sec but here’s the disclaimer, there are many camps in ‘feminism’ and the feminist ‘movement’ I will post excerpts so you know which sect I belong to and then I’ll post the link so you can look at all of them. It’s quite varied…
For you, dear Alycedale,
‘Feminism’ refers to movements aimed at defining, establishing and defending equal political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities for women.[1][2][3] Its concepts overlap with those of women’s rights. Feminism is mainly focused on women’s issues, but because feminism seeks gender equality, some feminists argue that men’s liberation is therefore a necessary part of feminism, and that men are also harmed by sexism and gender roles.[4][5][6][7] Feminists—that is, persons practicing feminism—can be persons of either sex.
(I fall into the second sentences category, apparentlt, IF we need to label me at all)
…and under ‘movements and idealogies’
Some feminists have argued that men’s issues are an important part of feminism, as men’s equality is necessary for women’s equality.[51][52][53] These feminists point to legal and social imbalances in regard to father’s rights, male rape and spousal battery, negative social expectations for men, and a narrow definition of “masculinity.”
Contrary to common beliefs, studies have shown that feminists tend to have neutral feelings towards men, and self-identitied feminists tend to have less hostile attitudes towards men than non-feminists. [54] Some feminists argue that the characterization of feminism as misandrous has been promoted by detractors to discredit the movement, and has contributed to reluctance among supporters of feminism to identify as such. [55][56]
I do believe that men in Western society have been indoctrinated in their thinking and upbringing in many ways that have been detrimental to themselves and therefore, women. I’m not advocating or stating that violence is ok bc they have been just as f’d up as females by society and/or parent figure, but what I am saying is that if you want to leave men totally out of the equation then you are prcaticing a different style of feminism (and that’s totally cool with me, not that you need my approval) I do not leave them out of the equation, they are a part of my life and I’m not changing that for you or any other feminist of a different school of thought, and I don’t intend to listen to bullshit about who I am and what my psychosis is bc you decided that my school of thought is not cool with you.
So, there you have it…I don’t necessarily get off on telling anyone off but this tiime, this felt good, I’m sick and tired of people, male/female, just taking advantage of my usual ZL nature, most things do roll off my back but you crossed my line. I believe I am correct in questioning your ‘intent’ with all that commentary…
Boggzy, love that song and thank you for posting the lyrics. Maybe you could record it again and leave the link? Would love to hear more of your singing, you have a good voice, singing and speaking. And I am NOT seeking your approval ; ) I am Zen Lill and I approve this message~!
Al, how’s it hanging, seems like you’ve been up on your current events comments, lovin’ it (and that’s not to say I didn’t think you did that before…why do I feel like I have to watch my back suddenly?!)
Caio caio, Zen Lill
February 24th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
sorry, in my haste…forgot the link – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism
February 24th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Zen Lill;
Hanging just fine, but I have had my share of ups and downs recently. My little sister lost her loving husband to cancer earlier this month, he will be missed dearly. She is having a rough time.
And you do not have to watch your back from those that don‘t know front from back. Thanks for asking about me.
Your recent attack by one of Michelle’s readers, A more enlightened and trained analyst than I could ever hope to be, upset me some. But I know you can handle yourself, especially when said attacker obviously has some handicaps I would rather not get into.
What about Michelle’s post today? I just love when the republicans make utter fools of themselves. Hate whenever I do it.
Al
February 24th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
Hey Al’a'mode : ) repugs love making fools out of themselves and they’re so good at it as well. They think their actions make Dems look stupid but even Fox’s own reporters have had enough of the BS.
I am so sorry to hear about your family loss, losing a loved one is difficult, my condolences to you and your sister. I’m glad I asked bc I know you probably wouldn’t have announced that if I didn’t.
…and Al, we all have our handicaps, some more than others, I have a forgiving heart but sometimes enough is enough or as Ms Vesuvius (my hot headed Italian volcano of an alter ego) would say: Bestante!!
And now, just for the record, any man who wittingly uses, abuses or manhandles a female or think we are less than can step up and get your ass kicked, I’m ready, willing and able : ) though I’d rather educate you when a lot of women would ratehr just throw your asses off a cliff or use violence against you so you know how it feels (I was kidding about the ass kicking, though I could probably do it : ). I say all that as ZL, as a female with a strong sense of self, as a woman of strength, as a woman who doesn’t care about or seek approval from anyone (people either tend to like/love me or not, no real criteria except their own self esteem must be relatively intact or they usually don’t like me or show jealous tendencies, just an observation) and now I believe that issue is put to bed.
Buona sera, Zen Lill
February 24th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Misch, sorry we crossed paths twice today, really do want to connect and get that doggie food recipe and chat for a few…I am around and available tomorrow, betw 10-2ish is best but other times could work, give me a ring if you get a chance. If not tomorrow, we can set up another time…thanks, ZL
February 25th, 2011 at 5:52 am
Bebe I don’t mean to be rude but I often wonder why people who are the exception to a general always write in and let everyone know that they are the exception to the rule.
Okay if that works for your ego great. You got to pretend that you don’t think that adults need a Santa Claus(jesus, allah yawed, whoever) who knows when they are good or bad and will reward then with toys(heaven, virgins etc.) if the are good and ashes in their stockings(hell) if they are not.
But we both know what this world would be like if People didn’t believe that they will have to answer to a god of some kind in the after life.
Without that there probably wouldn’t be any grants left in the rich folks wills. Unless they were content to be remembered for their largess.
And as for the aliens, think of how you changed when you found out there was Santa Claus keeping up with your being good. In your maturity you picked something else like a god to know when you were good or bad.
I know you didn’t but for the sake of argument let’s say the rest of us did. We lost Santa Claus and found jesus.
The aliens are in our adult phase. A benevolent deity was their Santa Claus, now they have something that they think is the proper thing. One day a million or so years from now the human race will perhaps do the same.
Of course you have already arrived.
Congratulations
Tanner
February 25th, 2011 at 6:07 am
Main Dude
I agree with you that those that don’t really believe in a deity have taken hold of the masses who do and whipped them into a frenzy to do their bidding. As Karl Marx said “religion is the opium of the masses.”
However, I believe that the masses are for the most part hypocrites. They follow a religion to gain an advantage in their life.
Most deeply supposed to be devout people are old. The reason is obvious they have done all the shit they could get away with in their youth but now that mother nature has put a softened the once iron stick. They want to prevent the youth from getting what they did so they go around preaching hell and damnation.
Or they are so near the end of their lives that they become devout to hedge their bets. Just in case there is a Santa Claus. They want the toys. So they pretend to be devout.
It is interesting thinking about what must be going on in these hypocrites minds. How ignorant they must think their god is that he/she can be fooled so easily by someone who is just hedging their bets.
I guess it is no different from the hypocrites that never miss church on sunday bur the other six days a week they hate someone because of the color of their skin, race, religion, sexual orientation or whatever.
Just who are these people praying to. Maybe Carr, they must keep him in stitches.
Tanner
February 25th, 2011 at 6:14 am
8) DRESS-UP?
A little girl was watching her parents dress for a party. When she saw her dad donning his tuxedo, she ran up to him and said, “Daddy, you shouldn’t wear that suit.’?’
And why not, darling?
She hugged him and said ‘?’You know that it always gives you a headache the next morning.”
February 25th, 2011 at 6:20 am
Michelle, when you come to Guam, you will be coming to a shark friendly place.
+++++++++++++++++++
Guam Now One of the Shark-Friendliest Places on Earth
Posted by KRISTA MAHR Friday, February 25, 2011 at 1:33 am
If you’re a shark, the Pacific Islands are not a bad place to be these days. Yesterday, the Senate of Guam followed Hawaii’s lead and became the third region to move to ban the sale, possession and distribution of shark products in the U.S. territory.
Hawaii was the first U.S. state to make the move last year, followed by the Mariana Islands north of Guam. Palau, the Maldives and Honduras all also prohibit all commercial fishing of sharks in their waters.
How did this swath of the ocean become the epicenter of shark conservation? Partly because, in the long run, a live shark is worth more than a dead shark.
All of these island economies rely on the tourists who come to ogle their ocean life – and sharks are usually at the top of their list. After supporting the U.S. military defense industry, tourism is Guam’s biggest moneymaker.
But Matt Rand, the director of the Pew Environment Group’s Global Shark Conservation program, says there’s more to this growing trend than the bottom line.
“My observation is that Pacific Islanders understand that there is a balance that needs to be struck out there in ocean,” Rand says. “When you overexploit it, you throw it out of whack.”
Guam, a long-time fishing port, had seen a severe decline in its shark population over the years as shark fishing became more and more aggressive to meet the growing demand for shark fin in Asian cuisine. (Here’s an article I wrote about shark fin soup if you want to know more.)
After the U.S. passed the first iteration of its law that bans shark finning – the practice of catching sharks, cutting their valuable fins off, and throwing the animal carcass back in the water – Guam noticed that its shark population began to recover.
(Read my earlier post about the passage of the new Shark Conservation Act of 2009, first introduced by Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, here.)
Whether the governor of Guam signs this full ban into law in time to save the sharks in the area is another question.
“The hope is that some of these populations will come back,” says Rand. “We have to wait and see. In a lot of places, once sharks have been depleted, it’s a very slow recovery.”
Every year, up to 73 million sharks are culled every year to support the shark fin trade, despite the fact that 30% of all shark species are threatened with extinction.
Sharks grow slowly, and they don’t reach sexual maturity until later in life. When they do, they have comparatively few offspring at a time, unlike, say, big tunas, which release millions of eggs when they spawn.
As a result, the sharks that are netted are either adolescents that have not had a chance to reproduce or are among the few adults capable of adding new pups to the mix — and never will. Says Rand: “They may be fierce predators, but they are actually very vulnerable.”
=============================
I am delighted with this news.
Hafa Adai
Anna
February 25th, 2011 at 7:01 am
Tanner,
I like your insight to the outgrowth of Santa, into religion. Nice. I will state that there are people who “do” religion, simply because they do truly believe. There are numerous people in my life who have ‘walked the path of Christ’ their whole lives because they have a prescription to the bottle of blue pills. I had a prescription in my earlier days as well. I stopped going to the pharmacy after I left home. In college, I had an epiphany while attending my Psych 101 class, and things have never been the same since. I now find the religious phenomenon interesting and disgusting, respectful and annoying, valuable and wasteful all at the same time. For some, it is something that really works in their lives and helps them. For others, as you say, hedge their bets. And for others still, it is a means to an end so as to not have to think about something that they might want to, however, may feel they don’t have the time or energy to see around it in this fast, ever changing, crazy world.
I follow a different, more unstructured path to find the meaning to life. I certainly do not claim to know the truth, although, I have seen and felt numerous examples that could help me exemplify my belief structure to my meaning of life. There is no one that can claim to “know” the truth, alien or otherwise. That is the beauty of the myth. It can never be broken and is self perpetuating. It changes over the years, however, I do feel that there is some inherent truth, and perhaps we will all know that one day.
I also feel that there are some who choose atheism to simply be different. Some choose it because they are lazy and don’t want to think thinks through. Some choose it because they are afraid of what they might find if they decide to search past the nothingness. Some choose it because that was the examples that had as a child and they choose to follow in their live
What most people don’t see, is that no matter what people think or feel about their religious stance, they have made a conscious choice at that point in their lives of the issue. There has been thought put to it in order to take a stand one way or the other. The choice of atheism or agnostic is the same as continued pondering or even having accepted religion and having a prescription of blue pills.
The funny thing of the idea of taking or not taking the blue pills can be discussed on any side of the fence one sits as based on their own belief systems for themselves. Again, this is the beauty of the myth, as well as, the danger of it. As the belief of the myth, and the manipulation of it by the learned and monied, to the poor huddled masses in any society it creates a herd like following of whatever can be good, as well as, bad within the belief structure. As various factions or wayward teachers in any belief system, albeit religion or politics, find a means or an angle to deviate the flock for their own benefits it becomes a danger to the overall society as a whole. Simply because a religion, or political structure is the biggest, or presumably the correct or best, does not make it right. Just because Christianity, or Islam are each so widely viewed in various ways throughout the world, makes neither one right…or wrong. Just because Capitalism and Democracy are so widely followed does not make it the only means to create a civil society, however, due to the nature of the depth of the belief structure to the systems on a global scale, to think otherwise, is blasphemy or insane.
There is a reason why it is stated in the bible that Jesus called his followers his flock…The signs are all there, for people to see, they simply must open their eyes. Their truth is always right in front of them.
February 25th, 2011 at 7:31 am
Despite whatever ones belief’s on the religious front, it does benefit to learn about religion, and the various ones at that. But, the study of religion itself brings on the esoteric thoughts that take one to a deeper level regardless of where their belief may lie…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-david-wolpe/why-everyone-should-study_b_827597.html
February 25th, 2011 at 11:06 am
[...] Emily: Thank you :) I really enjoy all of my readers, but yes, when some readers chime in all of the time, and build a presence here, I get hooked on them, and I start to miss them when they’re not around. Liked the Dress-up? [...]
February 25th, 2011 at 11:07 am
[...] Al: Hi. Rachel is my fave too. Is it okay to call her by her first name? I mean, I had a dream about her the other night – we were in love and planning on getting married. Funny huh? On another note, I too am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. I’m sure you’re giving your sis lots of love and support. I wish her well. [...]